A Winnipeg cancer patient is changing his tactics when it comes to securing free parking at healthcare facilities for patients and caregivers.

Colin Kennedy tells 630CHED’s Ryan Jespersen that after his mom racked up hundreds in parking fees, they took a hard look at the Canada Health Act.

“And she said ‘It says here that people should have access to medical services without a financial barrier or burden.’ And I went ‘My gosh, well that’s exactly what it is. We’re paying a toll in order to gain services.’” says Kennedy.

Back in May, he destroyed a parking meter at his Winnipeg treatment centre with spray foam as a protest.

Kennedy says he was heartened to learn that Canada isn’t the only country where this issue has been raised.

“Scotland abolished this by the way.” Kennedy notes. “One country has completely said no. People get their access to their services regardless and I thought that’s a wonderful thing to find out, that there is one country that does do this, and ours should, too.” (ms, rjs)

It’s truly a shame that people are restricted in their ability to comfort family or friends in their time of need due to not being able to afford it. If nothing more they should get a reduced rate for the time they were visiting.